Designer's Corner

If you're smart, you've got a rope ladder or some other means to escape from a fire in your multistory home. But what about evacuating small children or elderly people who can't negotiate a ladder? The Grate EscapeTM accommodates them with a counterbalanced carriage that lowers a rated 600-lb load 16 ft in about 50 seconds.

Made of anodized aluminum and stainless steel, the device features additional seals to protect moving parts from the effects of weather. An emergency brake prevents the cage from falling quickly should one of its cables part. Its counter weight, damped by a non-toxic antifreeze solution, features a load-compensating valve to control descent rate. Installation requires a single concrete footing.

Careful cover

Need to protect your product from moisture during shipping but don't want to expose it to the heat and abrasion of shrink wraps? Transhield comprises an outer shrink/stretch polyolefin film, a central hot-melt adhesive, and an inner layer of a proprietary, non-woven polymer. When heated, the waterproof outer film contracts while the inner layer wrinkles, forming a cushion against the product being wrapped.

Because the inner layer blocks approximately 90% of the heat applied to the outer surface, it protects the wrapped product and speeds shrinking. Reusable, custom-designed Transhield covers can include zippers and clear regions to simplify customs inspections or allow wrapped cars to be driven on and off car carriers.

Comfort aloft

Soon there'll be even more reason to envy passengers in the front of the plane. The Electronic Comfort Control System III seat, set for revenue service in early 1996, delivers as many as six powered position controls ranging from a fully flat bed to an upright seat. The modular design cuts controller weight 50% compared to previous units and lets airlines choose the number of actuators and power levels that best suit their needs. Passengers will choose between infinite adjustments or automatic full-limit travel.

If a major catastrophe strikes your area, will you be prepared? Do you know how to modify the tech you've already got or MacGyver what you need to fit your own situation? A free, five-day Continuing Education Center course starting April 6 will show you how.

Focus on Fundamentals consists of 45-minute on-line classes that cover a host of technologies. You learn without leaving the comfort of your desk. All classes are taught by subject-matter experts and all are archived. So if you can't attend live, attend at your convenience.